Uzbekistan sightseeing. Travel guide - attractions, sights, nature and touristic places

This is one of the most interesting countries in Central Asia, which is famous for its rich heritage and ancient cities founded more than a thousand years ago. In Uzbekistan you will find old mosques and minarets, ancient mausoleums of the Timurid period and buildings that remind of the Soviet past.

When and where to 'hang out' in Uzbekistan - festivals and celebrations

Each year in Uzbekistan is full of festive celebrations and festivals. The main State event is the Independence Day of the Republic of Uzbekistan, …
Read further

Start your observation of historic landmarks by visiting ancient city of Khiva, which is located near Urgench. The historic part of the Khiva oasis, Itchan Kala, is added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Many centuries ago, the oasis was the last stop for caravans before the desert on their path to Iran. Many buildings are now in ruins, but some are in good condition, like the Djuma Mosque, Alla-Kulli-Khan and mausoleums.

Samarkand is one of the oldest cities in the country and one of its main tourist destinations. It is also present in the UNESCO list. The city was founded in the 7th century BC on the crossroads of important trade routes. Samarkand was a prosperous city during the Timurid period in the 14th-15th centuries, so the most famous landmarks belong to that period. These are the Registan Mosques, the Shakhi-Zinda, Ulugh- Beg's Observatory, Bibi-Khanum Mosque and the Gur-Emir ensemble. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

For active traveler - national parks, landscapes and nature of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan occupies vast expanses in the heart of Central Asia, the interfluves of the Amu Darya and the Syr Darya. The natural diversity of the …
Read further

Many cities in Uzbekistan appeared as stops on the Silk Route. Bukhara is one of them. This is one of the largest cities in the country that, nevertheless, preserved its historic heritage. The name Bukhara literally means “the noble” or “the holy” and indeed in the past it was considered one of the holiest cities in Central Asia. The old part of the city is primarily famous for the Lab-i-Hauz square and fountains. The capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, is the cultural center of the country. Main attractions here include Kaldyrgach-bly Mausoleum, Khavendi Takhur Sheikh Mausoleum, Abdulkasim Madrassa, Yunus Khan Mausoleum, Khazret Imam and Mausoleum of Zainuddin-bobo Sheikh.

Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Statue of Amir Timur

Fans of nature landmarks won’t be bored in Uzbekistan. They are recommended to visit the Aral Sea that is located in the northwestern part of the country. The lake was the fourth largest lake in the world in the past, but due to irrigation programs of the Soviet Union the eco system of the region was changed. Rivers that fed the lake were diverted and the lake started shrinking. Currently, it consists of 3 smaller lakes. Travelers can also observe ruins of old wrecked ships on its shores.

Unique sights of Uzbekistan from our series 'Extreme places on Earth'

These spots really worth the attention of a real traveler-researcher. …
Read further

History and Entertainment

The first ancient countries on the territory of Uzbekistan were formed in the 8th century BC. At that time, many legendary cities were established. One of the oldest cities is Samarqand. The first references to it date back to 842 BC. In the 4th century BC, Bukhara was formed. The history of the country is closely linked to great conquests of Alexander the Great. The 7th century was a time of Arab conquests. The next bright tide in the history of the development of Uzbekistan is connected with great conquests of Timur in the 14th century. Under his regime, a lot of important military campaigns were established. The territory of the old country was significantly extended.

In the early 18th century, the territory of the country included the Khanate of Kokand that had been existing up until 1876. Consequently, it was divided into several independent emirates and khanates. Almost all of them were disbanded as a result of the expansion of the Russian Empire. Uzbekistan became independent only in 1991 after the collapse of the USSR. The complex and multifaceted history of the country made its culture incomparable. The age of some Uzbek cities is over 2.5 thousand years.

Uzbekistan guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Famous and uniques places in Uzbekistan from our review series

Ichan Qala

From the series “The Last City-Fortresses Survived to This Day”

Uzbekistan's historical town Ichan-Kala is surrounded by the powerful strong walls. Nowadays you can see wonderful buildings of the 14th century on its territory. Among them, there are adorable Medreces, Mosques, minarets, mausoleum, baths, caravanserais, marvellous palaces and saved parts of the fortress buildings. Its official status the town received some time ago, in 1968. Today its whole territory is under the state protection.

A lot of marvellous legends are connected with this historical town. According to one, for conducting the building was used the clay from the same deposits where the prophet Mohammed took clay for Medina building. At those places, where the clay was taken for several hundred years, has appeared the lake. Today it is the sacrum place. Old supportive walls even … Read all

Sherdor Mаdrаsasi

From the series “Top Surviving Artifacts of Muslim Civilization”

One more crucial for Muslim people holy place - the Sherdor Madrasasi, which is located in Samarqand. This unique historical building is situated on the Registon square. It was built in the 17th century. The Madrasasi is usually understood as the unified architectural ensemble along with the Ulug`bek Madrasasi and other closely spaced buildings. In 2001 the Sherdor Madrasasi along with a number of other historical buildings of Samarqand was included in a list of UNESCO world heritage.

Madrasasi was built under the authority of Hakim Yalangto'sh Bahodir at the place of an old demolished dervish lodge. Fragments that were saved, were used during the building of the new mosque. The building is decorated with strikingly beautiful mosaic patterns. The Madrasasi is attractive not only for … Read all

Ismoil Somoniy Maqbarasi

From the series “Top Surviving Artifacts of Muslim Civilization”

Among the Muslim sights of the early Middle Ages, the mausoleum of the Samanids occupies a special place. This unique monument is located in the historical district of Bukhara, surrounded by a large well-kept park. Hundreds of years ago there was a cemetery in this place, but today nothing resembles its existence. According to the available historical data, the mausoleum was built in the second half of the 9th century, but several centuries later it was partially destroyed and came to desolation.

The researchers discovered its ruins very recently, in the 20th century, the historical object was decided to be restored in its original form. There are three burials in the mausoleum, including the grave of Ismail, the founder of the Samanid dynasty. The mausoleum impresses with its … Read all

All unique sightseeing Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan sightseeing. Travel guide - attractions, sights, nature and touristic places

History and Entertainment

Ichan Qala

Sherdor Mаdrаsasi

Ismoil Somoniy Maqbarasi

Sightseeing in popular cities of Uzbekistan